Surfing Simulator

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method of using the same for simulating surfing skateboarding, snowboarding or the like. The apparatus comprises a platform capable of supporting a user such as a continuous elastic surface such as trampoline or similar. A support is coupled to the platform for holding the platform. The apparatus further comprises a bearing or similar assembly coupled to the support for allowing the platform to rotate about an axis which is displaced a distance from the user while standing atop the platform during simulation thus simulating bottom and top turns. The apparatus further comprises a stand coupled to the bearing for securely supporting the bearing and tilting the axis of rotation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to the field of sporting equipment,particularly surfing simulators and trainers.

BACKGROUND

Surfing trainers and simulators have existed to satisfy the need of manywho do not have access to locations where they can regularly surf, trainor otherwise develop their skills. These simulators help users developthe skills and fitness to train the surf-motion on a simulator on land,but are often lacking in many respects. None of these accuratelysimulate a moving wave of water, accurately simulate surfer's movementon the face of a wave, nor do they necessarily develop the skills andfitness for surfing. Existing surfing simulators range from small wiggleboards to wave pools with artificial waves.

Wiggle boards train a user's static balance on unbalanced ground to stayin an as-balanced and upright position, basically on an imagined plumbline, as possible to not fall. The board on such a device sits on aroller, airbags, springs, or a motorized bull machine. Skateboards aregood for surf training but tend to be dangerous as falling on a hardsurface can be harmful. In addition, skateboards do not train how to“takeoff” on a wave.

At the other end of the scale there exist small mechanical continuouswaves simulators pumping water over a shaped surface or the full-scaleartificial waves like the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch which do simulate realwaves reasonably accurately but are extremely expensive to build andrun. These devices are usually inaccessible to the average surfer.

The wiggle board assumes that surfing is simply a question of goodbalance—it is not. As soon as a surfboard is in motion on a wave, itbecomes very stable. Therefore, once this skill is mastered the wiggleboard is not a very good trainer for advanced surfers.

There therefore exists a need for a cost-effective surfing simulatoravailable to average surfers that simulates other conditions of surfingrather than just balance.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is an apparatus and method of using the same for simulatingsurfing skateboarding, snowboarding or the like. The apparatus comprisesa platform capable of supporting a user, in some embodiments it is acontinuous elastic surface such as trampoline with it's frame or similarelastic surface. In other embodiments it is firm or non-elasticplatform, sometimes in the shape of a surfboard or similar ridingsurface. The apparatus has a support coupled to the platform for holdingthe platform. It further comprises a bearing or similar assembly coupledto the support for allowing the platform to rotate about an axis whichcan be displaced a distance from the user while standing atop theplatform during simulation thus simulating bottom and top turns. Theapparatus further comprises a stand coupled to the bearing for securelysupporting the bearing and allowing the platform to rotate about atilted axis without toppling the apparatus.

The support of the apparatus can be done in various ways, such asmounting legs or other means. The bearing surface can also beimplemented in various ways to implement captured rotation, such as theuse of tracks or wheels in various implementations. This can be donemechanically in combination with gravity to maintain the integrity ofthe apparatus.

In other embodiments, the platform can be attached by an arm at one endand a fixed bearing at some distance displaced from the user to allowrotation and surf simulation, perhaps with a secondary bearing formovement of the platform.

In another embodiment, an adapter is disclosed which allows theadaptation of a standard commercially-available trampoline to form thedisclosed surfing simulator.

In other embodiments, various means of captured rotation of a platformsuch as a trampoline are disclosed.

Methods for use of the surfing simulators disclosed herein are alsodescribed for simulating various surfing and skateboarding maneuvers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appendedclaims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of theinvention are set forth in the following figures.

FIG. 1 shows a surf machine in some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2-4D show various alternative embodiments of the surf machine.

FIGS. 5A-5I show a user (surfer) using a surf machine at various phasesof use for a single bottom and top turn combination on a simulated waveface.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a captured bearing attachment component which maybe used for a captured rotation of a simulated wave surface in variousembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an alternative embodiment of a captured bearingattachment component.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a height adjustable leg in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show another embodiment of a captured bearing attachmentcomponent.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show another embodiment of a captured bearingattachment component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth for purposeof explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realizethat the invention may be practiced without the use of these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are showngenerally without a lot of detail in order to not obscure thedescription of the invention with unnecessary detail.

For the remainder of this disclosure the terms surf, surfer, surfing,surfboard (or simply “board”) and similar cognates will be used. For thepurposes of this disclosure, those terms are meant to refer to ALL ofthe surfing and related disciplines where relevant to this disclosure.Thus, surfing can refer to, but is not limited by, the following:skateboarding, snowboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-upsurfing (or paddling). In general, surfing will refer to any sport wherethe surfer (user, rider, kitesurfer, SUPer, etc. . . . ) riding a board(surfboard, skateboard, snowboard, etc. . . . ) or similar vehicle andis generally standing in a straddling position with his boardperpendicular to his body but forward facing. In such a position, thesurfer often rides the vehicle on an inclined surface, such as thesurface of waves or swell on water, the asphalt on a hilly road or woodon a half-pipe, snow on a mountain slope or snow half-pipe. The surfercan either ride “regular foot” (left foot forward relative to directionof travel), or “goofy foot” (right foot forward).

Also, for the purposes of this disclosure the terms simulator andtrainer will be used. For these purposes, the terms are interchangeablesince the apparatus achieves objectives for both simulation and trainingto the actual sport of surfing.

The objective of various embodiments of the present invention is tosimulate carving rather than just balancing to stay on the board as itis for the wiggle board and similar devices. As previously stated, assoon as a surf board is in motion, it becomes very stable and balancingskills become less relevant to the act of surfing. The objective of thepresent invention is to allow the user to experience the full motion ofsurfing in a more realistic and relevant way, especially for advancedsurfers. These skills include simulating the sensation of going down thewave once the wave is “caught”, training the surfer how to use hisdynamic balance of letting his center of gravity fall into the center ofa turn on the wave face, and turning back upwards on the wave. This alsoincludes letting the surfer's legs travel faster than the center ofgravity by which the feet, and with that the board, travel faster thanthe center of gravity of the body is traveling down and with the wave.

The objective of various embodiments of this invention is to not simplytrain the surfer to ride down the wave in a straight line, but to pivotup and down the face of the wave (or asphalt, half-pipe or snowymountain), going into a deep bottom turn, leaning the surfer's weight onthe wave facing rail of the board to drive it through the bottom turn,and back up into the lip (top) of the surface of the wave as vertical aspossible. Described embodiments also train how to then drop down fromthe top of the wave, down to the bottom and back up to the lip of thewave again. As will be discussed, in described embodiments, a circularmotion is used to simulate the motion on the face of the wave as thecenter of the user's gravity travels with the user down the face of thewave.

The objectives of these embodiments are to allow users to experiencethis moment of taking off on a wave, dropping into a wave, getting ontotheir feet, and driving the feet through the bottom turn in a way thatgenerates, and not loses, energy and velocity while surfing. Thegeneration of energy by weight transfer is thus teachable to users usingembodiments of the present invention. The ideal weight transfer for theparticular user can be learned over time through repetition inembodiments of the present invention given that the cost of such adevice would be well within reach of the average surfer.

An embodiment of the present invention is shown as surfsimulator/trainer (hereinafter “surf machine”) 100 in FIG. 1 which auser or surfer 150 can use to develop his carving skills as set forthabove. Surf machine 100 is comprised of a base structure, such as aplatform, plane or surface 110 set on an inclined plane relative to asurface 115, the ground, floor or other solid surface. Surface 110 maybe solid and can be made of any suitable material—wood, metal, compositeor similar to provide support for additional apparatus described herein.Several embodiments described herein are intended for end-userinstallation and use. These embodiments contemplate using consumer gradecomponents, such as trampolines and associated products commerciallyavailable to consumers with lighter gauge materials and constructionthat used in the commercial context such as in theme parks, playgrounds,etc. . . . . These embodiments, allow, for example, user installation atlocations of his own choosing (backyards, garages, playrooms, home gyms,etc. . . . ) and may not have as rigid regulatory requirements as in thecommercial context. Portability is also facilitated as opposed tocommercial units which may be manufactured for fixed installation. Also,as will be described, user-adjustability is enabled, for example,simulating different size waves, for different users (beginners v.experts), and different radii of turns to be simulated.

In another embodiment, surface 110 might simply be a circular rail whichprovides the support for the additional apparatus discussed herein.Surface 110 is set at the incline by stand or legs 111, which in someembodiments can be fixed or in others telescoping or adjustable height,such as by spring pins. This allows the incline of surface 110 and angleof machine 100 to be user-adjustable. This user-adjustability allowstraining for different types of surfing conditions, for example, largeror steeper waves or other riding surfaces. In other embodiments, 110 canbe mounted on a surface such as a flat surface or inclined surface, suchas a hill or a dune, to provide an inclined plane.

Resting atop plane 110 in this embodiment is platform 140 upon which auser can ride during simulation. In this embodiment, 140 is a round orcircular trampoline assembly which may be a round trampoline such asthose commercially available with the modifications described herein. Inthis embodiment, the diameter of the assembly can be roughly eight feet,but any suitable diameter in a reasonable range to simulate various waveconditions. It is contemplated that useful apparatus will have a turningradius ranging between six and sixty feet in diameter for differentsimulation/training scenarios. Various sizes can be used according touse of the simulator (e.g. ability of the user to start rotation of theapparatus, and/or size of wave to be simulated, and/or bottom turnsdesired to be simulated).

Platform 140 has a typical trampoline surface 120 which is comprised ofa frame 122 and an elastic surface 123 as is common in most commerciallyavailable trampolines. The surface 123 can be elastic through choice ofelastic material only, or elastic material in combination with elasticstructures such as springs, bungee cords, or the like as is known. Theelastic nature of the elastic surface 120 simulates the elasticity andresistance on a board that a user 150 experiences when surfing on water.This allows the user 150 to “push” off the resistance and have feedbackwhich is similar to surfing a board on water and develop the fitness forand muscle memory of doing the same.

In other embodiments, such as 200 discussed below, the surface 120 ofplatform 140 can be non-elastic and comprised of a solid or firmmaterial, according to desired application. In yet another embodiment,the platform may be a pie slice of a circle which is rotatably mountedin the manner described herein. In either the continuous or the sliceembodiments, the remaining material of the platform that the user is notstanding upon can act as a safety mechanism in the event that the userleans too far towards the axis of rotation and falls.

As is standard in commercially-available trampolines, assembly 140further comprises a stand or support comprising legs 121 which arecoupled to frame 122 to provide support for the surface 120. Assembly140 is further modified in the following way. It is rotatably coupled tobase structure 110 using some sort of bearing assembly so that itrotates about a central axis 141 on base structure 110 but yet does notdetach from the underlying structure. Because the trampoline is round,it can be so rotatably coupled in any number of ways. In thisembodiment, bearing assembly 142 is comprised of wheels are affixed tosupport legs 121 in some fashion.

Legs 121 of assembly 140 couple to base structure 110 at axis 141, inthis embodiment, using a central structure with a bearing surface toallow captured rotation of surface 120 in directions 160 (clockwise 160b or counterclockwise 160 a as shown). The weight of assembly 140 isthus borne on bearing wheels 142 as they ride on surface 110 andassembly 140 rotates about an axis 141. In this embodiment, surface 110has a rail on its edge that captures assembly 140 by gravity and allowsit to rotate upon using wheels 142 without becoming detached from theunderlying structure. In alternative embodiments, other rolling hardwareand tracks or other retention mechanisms may allow such capturedrotation about an axis 141, for example, a central axis with a bearingsurface at axis 141, but lacking any rail.

In summary, various embodiments of the present invention may optionallyinclude, but not be limited to, one or more of the following in surfmachine 100:

-   -   wheels on spokes on platform with a center axis;    -   wheel assembly running in a rail without center axis;    -   a solid surface;    -   a solid surface with extra small rotating platform;    -   an elastic surface; and    -   an elastic surface with extra small rotating platform.

The rotation of assembly 140 above surface 110 allows a user to simulatethe takeoff and carving motions as described above. A user 150 can standthe edge of the elastic portion 123 of surface 120 while the machine 100is not in motion either at the top of the device to get a “runningstart” or start at the bottom to “fakey” or weight transfer (as on askateboard or snowboard half-pipe), to get the apparatus moving. This“fakey” (back and forth weight transfer motion), especially in theforward moving position, approximates the carving motion of a surfer ona wave. Thus, by repetitively doing this motion, the surfer develops theproper techniques and fitness for real surfing. The direction of travel,counterclockwise 160 a (for a goofy foot surfer) is shown in the FIG. 1for simplicity, it can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that theapparatus can be used in the clockwise 160 b (regular foot) direction aswell. Because the surface 120 is tilted, the surfer 150 simulates a waveor other sloped riding surface.

For surf simulation by a user, axis 141 is so chosen in variousembodiments and implementations of the present invention so as tosimulate actual surfing, skateboarding, etc . . . . In those instances,the user typically desires to train for executing maneuvers such asbottom and top turns (turns on the face of a wave or incline). Theturning radii of such turns corresponds with the distance between a usermounted or standing on the platform 140 and the axis 141. While thereare situations where the user may desire to pivot in place (a “180” or a“360”), surf machine 100 is contemplated to be often used where theposition of axis 141 is displaced from the position of the user ratherthan coincident. That distance, the radius of the rotational path of theuser on platform 140, corresponds with the radius of the bottom or topturn desired to be simulated.

The angle of the axis 141 (and platform 142 upon which the user is atop)simulates the angle of the wave face or other inclined plane (dirt,snow, asphalt, etc. . . . ) that the surfer desires to simulate. With acontinuous surface such as a trampoline as disclosed herein, while it iscontemplated that the user will start at the edge of 140, in somesimulations, the user can simply step closer towards the axis 141 tosimulate tighter (smaller radius) turns. In other embodiments, othermeans or adjusting this turn radius is contemplated within the spiritand scope of the present invention, such as adjustable arms or similar,for various use cases.

The fakey motion by surfer 150 on surf machine 100 can continue so thatthe surfer 150 can completely rotate assembly 140 while riding upon it.If the surfer 150 uses her weight correctly she can drive up to theother side of surface 110, come around, and back down. This allowsadditional aspects of simulating wave riding for training, for example,of riding down the face of a wave and doing cutbacks (turns at the apexand trough of the wave). This also allows the user to repeat the samemotion to continuously work out and further develop skills and fitness.

In another usage scenario, use of surf machine 100 may proceed asillustrated in FIGS. 5A-5I, which show user 150 in various positions onsurf machine 100 as successive points in time for a goofy-foot surfer.It is understood that a regular surfer will use the apparatus facing theopposite direction with machine 100 rotating the opposite direction(clockwise). Initially, the user 150 may be standing or laying on theapparatus to simulate paddling into the wave—FIG. 5I. User 150 can be atthe top of the machine relative to its tilt for this phase. The user 150then “pops-up” or assumes a standing position as shown at the time inFIG. 5A to start a surf simulation session. This puts the user 150 ontop of the wave (surf machine 100) the weight is put onto the frontfoot, and the back leg has little to no weight, knee laying down on themachine 100's surface (simulating the board on a moving wave.

Subsequently, machine 100 rotates counterclockwise approximately 90degrees. Then, the user 150 rotates ⅔ down the face of machine 100leaning the body toward the center of the machine touching the centerwith the backhand as shown on FIG. 5C. Subsequently in time, as shown onFIG. 5D, user 150 reaches the bottom of the rotation of machine 100.Subsequently, user 150 transfers weight onto his backfoot, and unweightsthe front foot (so that his feet almost feel like they're slipping underhis body), with his upper body is still leaning in to the center of themachine at FIG. 5E as he starts his progress back up the machine (wave)during rotation.

Subsequently, as shown on FIG. 5F, with the user 150 ⅓ up the machine(wave) his weight is fully resting on the back foot, front footcompletely unweighted. The user 150's arms can be thrown up above thehead to ‘fly’ back up the simulated wave face and keep the rotation of100 going. Subsequently, at the time shown on FIG. 5G, ⅔ up the machine(wave face) user 150 can rotate around his backfoot rotating the upperbody and front foot around to get into the initial position (5A) asshown in FIG. 5H again, with weight on the front foot going down thewave for another turn simulation.

Surf machine 100 can also include, in alternative embodiments,electrical motors and/or brakes (not shown) in order to more preciselycontrol rotation, for example, for safety purpose, to replicateparticular points on a wave, or to increase resistance for training anddifferent wave characteristics. In another embodiment, the platform 120can rotate around a central axle. A counterweight or counter lever witha support ring of the same size as the platform can be used to stabilizeit. In all these and other alternatives, the platform can have amechanical brake, and/or electric motor for safety, and to provide amore accurate simulation, resisting or enhancing motion along certainaxes. With an electric motor or other sensors installed to trackrotation and energy expended by the surfer, the energy output of thesurfer can be measured, stored, displayed, and shared, for example, fortracking progress, for training/coaching and other purposes, such associal media.

Because some components of these described embodiments involve readilyavailable apparatus (e.g. trampoline assembly 140), and other materials(e.g. plywood), it is contemplated that a kit to modify such componentsto achieve the objectives and implement the embodiments describedherein. Thus, a manufacturer may desire to minimize manufacturing anddistribution expenses by providing only an adapter including thenecessary components which are not commercially available to users andinstructions for fabricating and assembling the components to completean apparatus along with commercially-available parts (e.g. aconsumer-grade trampoline). In other embodiments, all components andmaterials may be provided in more or less complete form.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown as 200 inFIG. 2 . Some details which have been described relative to FIG. 1 arepresent, but some labelling has been omitted for clarity. In thisembodiment, a smaller rotating platform 210 is installed in or abovesurface 220 that itself can rotate on an axis 230. This makes theexercise more challenging, but also easier to ‘feel’ the board turnunder surfer 150 and turn it on top of the platform (at the lip) topoint the front foot back down again rotating clockwise around thebackfoot. This can also simulate 360 degree maneuvers that are common inmodern surfing. The platform can be circular in shape as shown, or othershapes (e.g. a surfboard shape) according to the type of training andsimulation desired.

Yet another alternative embodiment is shown as surf machine 300 in FIG.3 which may be useful in a more permanent installation. In thisinstance, a permanent or semi-permanent installation is contemplated. Acentral post 310 is set into surface 115 such that it is securelyattached via a counter-weight or concrete base 315 sufficient towithstand rotation motion of the apparatus 300 with a surfer 150 ridingit. Attached to post 310 is an angled axis 320 as a post about which theremaining apparatus can rotate. A bearing 325 of an arm 330 is rotatablycoupled to post 320 to allow free rotation of the arm. Arm 330 extendsaway from post 320 to support a platform shaped as a board 350 whichallows movement about an axis 340 at the end of the arm. This allows thesurfer 150 to maneuver the board 350 to simulate movement of the boardon water, and the arm swings to simulate motion on the wave. Acombination of retention mechanisms (to restrict or stop motion alongcertain axes), as well as the aforementioned brakes, motors, sensors andthe like can be used to achieve the objectives discussed above. Ofcourse, because of the semi-permanent nature of this embodiment,accessibility to average surfers may be limited, but it may be usefulwhere circumstances permit, for example, at a park where such activitiesare engaged in.

Other alternative embodiments of the present invention are shown inFIGS. 4A-4D. For example, 400 of FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of thepresent invention which combines an elastic surface with a single postto allow rotation. 410 and 420 of FIGS. 4B and 4C show the effect ofvarying the diameter of surf machine 100 for simulating differentsurfing conditions.

FIG. 4D shows yet another alternative embodiment 430 which can be usedwith any of the previously described embodiments to provide anadditional margin of safety to surfer 150. In this embodiment, a supportstructure is solidly affixed nearby the apparatus 430 in such a way thatthe surfer 150 can be suspended. The user can wear a harness 432suspended by support 430 to avoid injury from falls occurring during useof the surf machine. In addition to such a structure, it is contemplatedthat pads, nets, and related safety equipment can also be used incombination with any of the aforesaid apparatus.

A captured bearing and stand subassembly which might be useful inembodiments of the present invention is shown as rolling support leg 600shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. 600 may comprise an adjustable leg assembly610 which may be used for adjusting the height of a surf machine 100.The leg may be coupled to support bearing assemblies 620 upon which maybe mounted wheels 630. Wheels may be any of those commercially availablewheels including bearings, such as skateboard or inline skate wheels. Inthis embodiment as shown, the wheels 630 may be captured in a track 640.Track 640 may form either the captured rotating base of machine 100 orthe perimeter of trampoline assembly 140 to allow captured rotation. Oneskilled in the arts can configure such a component (or plurality ofcomponents) 600 in any number of ways to allow rotation and usage of theapparatus described herein.

600 inserts into shortened or extended legs 121 of the frame 122 orattach directly to the frame 122. A pin or screw connection 650 securesthe leg assembly 610 inside the trampoline or platform leg 121. Thewheels 630 run in a circular track 640 that is either mounted on orestablishing the tilted surface 110.

Another captured bearing and stand subassembly which might be useful inembodiments of the present invention is shown as rolling support leg 700shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. 700 may comprise an adjustable leg assembly710 which may be used for adjusting the height of a surf machine 100.The leg may be coupled to support bearing assemblies 720 upon which maybe mounted an upper wheel 730 and a lower wheel 730 each of which mayhave concave tread surface. Wheels may be any of those commerciallyavailable wheels including bearings, such as skateboard or inline skatewheels. In this embodiment as shown, the wheels 730 may be captured andrun on and under a track 740. Track 740 may form either the capturedrotating base of machine 100 or the perimeter of trampoline assembly 140to allow captured rotation. One skilled in the arts can configure such acomponent (or plurality of components) 700 in any number of ways toallow rotation and usage of the apparatus described herein. The bearingassembly may have two wheels on the top or bottom to ensure betteralinement with the track.

700 inserts into shortened or extended legs 121 of the frame 122 orattach directly to the frame 122. A pin or screw connection 750 securesthe leg assembly 710 inside the trampoline or platform leg 121. Thewheels 730 run on a circular track 740 that is either mounted on orestablishing the tilted surface 110.

Another captured bearing and stand subassembly which might be useful inembodiments of the present invention is shown as height adjustable leg800 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B which are an embodiment of the leg 111between the ground, floor or other solid surface 115 and the surface ofrail 110. 800 may comprise an adjustable leg assembly 810 which may beused for adjusting the height of surf machine 100. The leg may becoupled to inflatable or shock absorber assemblies 820 upon which may bemounted an rotatable connection 830 to the surface or rail 110 to allowflexible tilt relative to the ground, floor or other solid surface 115by which the simulation of changing steepness and energy of a wave ispossible. FIG. 8A shows an extended leg setting with an extendedextender 820 which may be an airbag 820, electrically or mechanicallydriven gear, or set mechanically by a pin. FIG. 8B shows a short legsetting with a shortened extender 820 which may be an airbag 820,electrically or mechanically driven gear, or set mechanically by a pin.One skilled in the arts can configure such a component (or plurality ofcomponents) 800 in any number of ways to allow tilt adjustment and usageof the apparatus described herein.

Yet another captured bearing and stand subassembly which might be usefulin some embodiments of the present invention is shown as rolling supportleg 900 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. 900 may comprise an adjustable legassembly 910 which may be used for adjusting the height of a surfmachine 100. The leg may be coupled to support bearing assemblies 950upon which may be mounted with a bolt in a rotatable fashion 960 a wheelassembly 970 which has two upper wheels 930 and two lower wheels 930which form a concave V shape between each other in which the railing 740sits. The wheeled leg can neither fall out nor pop up out of the railingif fitted properly. Wheels may be any of those commercially availablewheels including bearings, such as skateboard or inline skate wheels. Inthis embodiment as shown, the wheels 930 may be captured and run on andunder a track 740 in an angle. Track 740 may form either the capturedrotating base of machine 100 or the perimeter of trampoline assembly 140to allow captured rotation. One skilled in the art may configure such acomponent (or plurality of components) 900 in any number of ways toallow rotation and usage of the apparatus described herein. The bearingassembly may have two wheels on the top or bottom to ensure betteralignment with the track.

900 inserts into shortened or extended legs 121 of the frame 122 orattach directly to the frame 122. A pin or screw connection 750 securesthe leg assembly 910 inside the trampoline or platform leg 121. Thewheels 930 run on a circular track 740 that is either mounted on orestablishing the tilted surface 110.

Yet another captured bearing and stand subassembly which might be usefulin some embodiments of the present invention is shown as rolling supportleg 1000 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. 1000 may comprise an adjustable legassembly 1010 which may be used for adjusting the height of a surfmachine 100. The leg may be coupled to support bearing assemblies 1050upon which may be mounted upper wheels 1030 and two sets of lower wheels1030 each of which is angled toward each other creating a channelwherein the rail 740 will be captured. Wheels may be any of thosecommercially available wheels including bearings, such as skateboard orinline skate wheels. In this embodiment as shown, the wheels 1030 may becaptured and run on and under a track 740 at an angle. Track 740 mayform either the captured rotating base of machine 100 or the perimeterof trampoline assembly 140 to allow captured rotation. One skilled inthe art may configure such a component (or plurality of components) 1000in any number of ways to allow rotation and usage of the apparatusdescribed herein. The bearing assembly may have two wheels on the top orbottom to ensure better alinement with the track.

1000 inserts into shortened or extended legs 121 of the frame 122 orattach directly to the frame 122. A pin or screw connection 750 securesthe leg assembly 1010 inside the trampoline or platform leg 121. Thewheels 1030 run on a circular track 740 that is either mounted on orestablishing the tilted surface 110.

Thus, a surf machine, a related adapter, subassemblies and methods forsurfing simulation and training has been described. While the inventionhas been described with reference to numerous specific details, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention can beembodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit ofthe invention. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art would understandthat the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrativedetails, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims and claimswhich may ultimately be filed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a) a platform capable ofsupporting a user; b) a support coupled to the platform for holding theplatform; c) a bearing coupled to the support for allowing the platformto rotate about an axis which is displaced a distance from the userwhile standing atop the platform; and d) a stand coupled to the bearingfor securely supporting the bearing at an angle relative to level andallowing the platform to rotate about a tilted axis relative to level.